Highlander's Heart (Clan Matheson #2)

“We swam, and as the sun descended and the full moon rose, he shifted and allowed me to pet his bear. When he shifted back, he gave me his oath. He vowed that whatever path I trod, would be the same path that he did and he offered me his full protection, of all that he is. He insisted he’d always be here, fighting for me.”


“His need to complete the bond and join in all ways will be surging strongly through him now that he knows you’re his.” Cherub munched on an oatcake, her blond locks sliding over her shoulder and shimmering bright.

“Aye, he asked for a courtship, and I agreed, but there truly is little I can do about allowing anymore between us until I’ve spoken to Donnan. He is the one to whom I’ve agreed to wed.”

“I understand.” Cherub arched a brow. “Although dinnae forget Nessa’s words.”

“I never could, no’ now.” She lifted her tea cup and sipped the sweet brew, her thoughts rolling around in turmoil. “Three years ago, when I first discovered I wasnae mated to another of my fae kind, I was quietly relieved. I’ve always believed ’tis better to be wed to a man I have no feelings for than to ever worry over losing the one man I can never live without.”

“Yet Tor willnae be able to live without you should you choose Donnan over him.” Cherub cleared her throat, her gaze intent. “If you choose to deny your bond with Tor, then you’d be forcing him to live as your father has lived these past twenty-three years, without the one woman his very heart and soul cries out for. Dinnae cast aside that which is freely given, for your happiness is all I seek.” Cherub recited Nessa’s words, ones that touched her heart. “The bond is freely given, Layla.”

“The bond is also all-consuming.”

“Aye, but in a very good way.” Cherub’s face lit up with a silly smile then she frowned. “And also in a very frustrating way, but still, I wouldnae wish to be without my mate. Kirk stands at my side, just as I stand at his. My duty to my fae people has now become his duty too and I could never live without him, would perish if I did.”

“’Tis the living without that I fear.” She selected one of the gooey raspberry tarts and chewed.

“Tor’s been searching for you for such a long time.” Cherub patted her hand. “I understand your fears, but he will never be complete until the two of you have joined together as one. You must sever your ties to Donnan then allow the bond to take. Accept your destiny and embrace your new future. The fates do speak and now is your time, as Nessa said. Open your heart to your mate, Layla, and I promise that you’ll never regret doing so.” Cherub motioned toward the open window where the clanging of steel and the grunting of warriors at training ricocheted toward them. “Tor will be lost without you. You are his destiny, just as he is yours, and if you take but one step toward him, he’ll be there to hold you. So either you accept that the fates have brought you two together, or you toss all that could be away and lose your heart’s true desire.”

“I cannae deny I want him.”

“A MacDonald galley approaches!” The corner guardsman’s booming voice filtered through, ringing with authority from the ramparts overlooking the loch.

Layla raced to the window and grasped the stone windowsill. A galley bearing a MacDonald flag on the center mast confirmed the arrival of their allied clan. At the helm, with a mighty two-handed claymore holstered across his back, Donnan MacDonald stood, his biceps bulging and his legs spread wide. No one could mistake the Chief of MacDonald’s son, and certainly not her. He was the man she’d spent time with on Skye, the man she’d not sensed one inkling of desire for, and the one man she could safely wed and never fear any heartache over losing. He was her betrothed.

“I’ll go and see if Kirk needs my aid now that we have guests soon arriving.” Cherub squeezed her shoulder. “Think on all we’ve spoken about and if you need to talk to me further, I’ll always be here.”

“Thank you, Cherub. I shall take your wise advice and Nessa’s words too to heart.”

“Then that is all either your godmother or I could ask of you.” Cherub dissolved into a mist and streamed out the window and retook her form near the gate as Kirk jogged across the yard and joined her. Cherub pulled her white cape’s fur hood over her head and wandered out the gate arm-and-arm with her mate. The Fae Angel of Love always took great care with whom she allowed to see her, her cloak and hood fully protecting her identity. She wouldn’t be exposing her true self to their visitors, but so too she would remain near Kirk while he welcomed Donnan and his men.

Near the battling warriors training below, Tor stood next to Tavish, both brothers identical in every way, from their shoulder-length locks of silky black hair to their broad chests and towering height, although she’d never mistake one for the other, not now. Using her skill, she swished the wind and brought Tor and Tavish’s conversation to her.